By: Nyima Sillah
A University Lecturer, Alassana Gitteh has stated that the presidential educational requirement in the new constitution should be at least adjusted to a Bachelor’s Degree.
“The qualification requirement for the presidency should not be just a high school graduate, but instead a bachelor’s degree. Having such a high level will earn us respect as a nation and our constitution will not just be a white elephant,” Gitteh told The Voice in an interview on Sunday.
He explained that a Bachelor’s degree qualification will assist leaders in conceptualizing and relating information by making sound decisions for the State. He added that it would also enable them to fit in international community meetings by understanding issues regarding the country’s democracy, development, economy, and security.
According to him, a G12 graduate is just a warming up and a beginner in the academic field, contending that for an individual to be able to conceptualize, understand, and be able to relate as a professional, or as a career individual, the person should be a bachelor’s degree holder.
“You cannot control a nation when you don’t have a sound qualification, especially a critical and developing country like The Gambia. If the requirements of our executives are so low, other country executives will not respect them and they will even find it hard to express themselves or even give a speech. Also, they will find it hard to understand at the level of others. It is going to be a whole burden on them.
He added: “So, in the interest of the president to acquire relevant knowledge to become the right president for the country or else you suffer and continue to disgrace yourself.”
The UTG lecturer urged the National Assembly members to observe that part and make adjustments as presidents are not only limited to their respective countries but have to deal with international partners who have the qualifications and potential.
He further stated that even the position of ministers should be adjusted. “I would still encourage the Gambians to allow our bachelor’s degree holders to get these positions. This would be the best way to encourage diverse leaders with the right competencies to represent us.”
However, he pointed out that sometimes people will say there are some with PhD in the system that mess up and don’t have any impact. This, he said, is a different case as people should understand that being an intellectual goes with good academic qualifications and good character which doesn’t exist in other people’s qualifications